Last updated August 4, 2026
The Lincoln Continental lineup starts with Premiere, also called the base trim, which delivers the roomy, quiet character of the full-size sedan without the richer upgrades above it. Select adds finer leather and useful conveniences such as soft-close doors and built-in navigation. Reserve is the broader luxury step, pairing twin-turbo V6 power with more adjustable seats, upgraded audio, and added cabin technology. Black Label sits at the top, using designer-themed interiors and richer materials to create a more tailored atmosphere.
The Base Model trim level, sold as Premiere or simply base, is the comfort-first entry to the Continental's quiet, roomy full-size luxury experience.
Best for: Drivers who want a spacious, relaxed luxury sedan with useful comfort and safety equipment, but not the stronger engines or richer cabin upgrades of higher trims.
Highlights
The Mid-Level trim level, known as Select, makes the Continental feel more upscale through finer materials and everyday convenience rather than a major change in character.
Best for: Shoppers who value richer leather, easier trunk access, and small luxury touches they will notice on every drive.
Highlights
Adds richer leather, built-in navigation, soft-close doors, and a hands-free trunk lid over the Base Model.
9 in stock
The Premium Luxury trim level, known as Reserve, is the more complete luxury Continental, with stronger twin-turbo power and substantial seating, audio, and technology upgrades.
Best for: Drivers who want stronger performance and a more fully equipped cabin while keeping the Continental's calm, long-distance comfort.
Highlights
Adds twin-turbo V6 power, highly adjustable ventilated front seats, upgraded Revel audio, and a surround-view camera over Select.
10 in stock
The Top Tier Luxury trim level, known as Black Label, is the design-focused Continental with curated cabin themes and the lineup's richest material treatment.
Best for: Shoppers who care most about a distinctive, carefully coordinated interior and a more exclusive luxury atmosphere.
Highlights
Builds on Reserve's luxury positioning with designer-themed interiors and richer, more distinctive materials rather than a major powertrain change.
2 in stock| Feature | Mid-Level | Base Model | Premium Luxury | Top Tier Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | Select9 in stock | Premiere, base3 in stock | Reserve10 in stock | Black Label2 in stock |
| Recognized trim name | Select | Premiere or base | Reserve | Black Label |
| Lineup role | Materials and convenience step-up | Comfort-first entry | Broader luxury and power step | Design-focused top trim |
| Twin-turbo V6 power | No; below the Reserve powertrain step | No; 3.7L V6 with 305 hp | Standard; 335 or 400 hp by engine | Standard; 335 or 400 hp by engine |
| Front-seat treatment | Bridge of Weir leather-trimmed | Heated; 10-way on Premiere | 24-way, heated and ventilated | Upgraded leather and Alcantara; heated |
| Navigation and infotainment | Built-in navigation | 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | Standard navigation | Standard navigation |
| Hallmark feature | Soft-close doors and hands-free trunk | Quieting acoustic glass | Revel audio and surround-view camera | Designer-theme cabin |
Those names identify the entry trim in different parts of the 2017–2020 run. Earlier cars used Premiere, while the final lineup called the entry version Standard or Base. All focus on the Continental’s core quietness and comfort.
Select is the step-up trim offered from 2017 through 2019. It builds on the entry model with richer leather, built-in navigation, soft-close doors, a hands-free trunk lid, and rear USB charging ports.
On earlier Continentals, Select mainly adds a richer everyday cabin and more convenience. Key upgrades include Bridge of Weir leather, navigation, soft-close doors, a hands-free trunk lid, a wood-accented steering wheel, and rear USB ports.
On models where both were offered, Reserve makes the larger jump in power and comfort. It adds twin-turbo V6 power, 24-way heated and ventilated front seats, a 13-speaker Revel stereo, a twin-panel moonroof, and a surround-view camera.
Black Label puts more emphasis on cabin design and exclusivity than Reserve. Both sit high in the range with twin-turbo V6 power, but Black Label adds designer themes, upgraded leather, Alcantara, and distinctive trim materials.
The entry Premiere, Standard, or Base trim is the straightforward fit. It retains the roomy cabin, quiet glass, heated front seats, touchscreen, and relaxed ride without the stronger engines or richer cabin upgrades of upper trims.
Reserve is the most complete middle ground in the revived lineup. It combines twin-turbo V6 power with 24-way heated and ventilated front seats, Revel audio, navigation, a moonroof, and a surround-view camera without Black Label’s themed cabin focus.
Black Label has the strongest design focus. Its main distinction is a themed cabin with upgraded leather, Alcantara, and unique trim materials, giving it a more tailored look than Reserve rather than merely adding another equipment package.
Reserve and Black Label are the main twin-turbo trims across the revived 2017–2020 range. Entry models generally use the 3.7-liter V6. Engine details can still vary by year and vehicle, so confirm the engine on the individual car.
Yes. The Reserve’s defining comfort equipment includes 24-way power front seats with heating and ventilation. These highly adjustable seats are a major reason to consider Reserve over Select or an entry trim.
No. Every Continental in the revived generation launched with an 8-inch SYNC 3 touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It was part of the car’s core equipment, not a Reserve- or Black Label-only feature.
Not across every model year. The safety suite became standard throughout the lineup for 2019, bringing blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping help, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Earlier cars require an equipment check.
No. Select was offered from 2017 through 2019, then disappeared when the regular 2020 lineup was simplified to Standard, Reserve, and Black Label. That naming change is why otherwise similar used Continentals may show different trim ladders.